Offenses Suffering From Post-Lockout Syndrome

It's clear from watching the early part of the lockout shortened 2011-2012 NBA season that there's been a significant dropoff in the overall quality of play by just about every team, particularly on the offensive end of the floor.  Scores are lower than they've been in years, shooting percentages are down, injuries are mounting and certain players who came into camp out of shape are still struggling to get themselves back into their normal playing condition;  all anticipated byproducts of the lockout. 

I conducted a study to give a first-hand illustration of how putrid and sloppy the offense has been around the league by researching how many teams finished games with a point total in the 70's through their first 10 games last season and compare that to this season. 

Through each team's first 10 games of the 2010-2011 season, there were a total of 8 scores where a team finished in the 70's.  

 

This season?  32!!   (including 4 point totals in the 60's!!)

Teams with youth, depth and cohesion due to limited turnover to their rosters are all reaping benefits early in the season record wise, and in terms of their offensive efficiency (Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, Indiana, Orlando).  Meanwhile teams with age, injuries and some key roster additions (combined with limited practice time to help establish chemistry) have come out of the gate slower than expected (Boston, New York, Memphis, Dallas).

Because of the unrelenting schedule, teams have to be extra cautious about managing their rosters and preserving key players, even if it means resting them for a couple of games during a rough stretch of games for the sake of surviving this ultimate battle of attrition which will define the 2011(sorta)-2012 NBA season.